As I have the honor of making gowns for children across the United States battling cancer and other life-threatening conditions, my heart is heavy as I read about these conditions and the LIMITED amount of research and attention they tend to receive. It is my prayer that as my children grow older they will be the generation that finds cures and erradicates these conditions (at an affordable level as well). The times my heart breaks the most, is when I read the stories, journies and battles of infants starting their fight at only a few weeks or even months old. I have learned to look at it this way ~ What is God's ultimate plan for this child's life? Who will they impact and whose life are they going to change in only the way the Lord can do? That being said I still cry, feel it is unfair and wonder why these things happen to such little children, or any child for that matter. This month I had the joy of making a hospital gown for little Brayden, who was diagnosed in December 2011 with Stage III Neuroblastoma, he was just under a month old. Neuroblastoma is one of the rarer childhood cancers and one of the less researched cancers as well. There is roughly 650 cases a year (that number may have changed since I last looked it up, but I think it is still very close to it).

Neuroblastoma is very dear to me, because Grace (who Gracie's Gowns is founded in honor of), battled Neuroblastoma from 19 months old (official diagnosis) to just over 3 years old. This was my first up-front encounter with childhood cancers and greatly impacted my life throughout my pregnancy with our oldest and since...my daughter was only a few months only when Grace passed away. I pray many times that should she face any more obstacles in life, that she would have the smile, courage and optimism that Grace did to conquer them.To learn more about Brayden and to follow his journey and fight against Neuroblastoma you can use either of the following links: